Find in Library

The multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) proteins are coding by a secondary transporter gene family, and have been identified to participate in the modulation of organic acid exudation for aluminum (Al) resistance. The soybean variety <i>Glycine max</i> “Tamba” (TBS) exhibits high Al tolerance. The expression patterns of <i>MATE</i> genes in response to Al stress in TBS and their specific functions in the context of Al stress remain elusive. In this study, 124 <i>MATE</i> genes were identified from the soybean genome. The RNA-Seq results revealed significant upregulation of <i>GmMATE13</i> and <i>GmMATE75</i> in TBS upon exposure to high-dose Al³⁺ treatment and both genes demonstrated sequence homology to citrate transporters of other plants. Subcellular localization showed that both proteins were located in the cell membrane. Transgenic complementation experiments of <i>Arabidopsis</i> mutants, <i>atmate,</i> with <i>GmMATE13</i> or <i>GmMATE75</i> genes enhanced the Al tolerance of the plant due to citrate secretion. Taken together, this study identified <i>GmMATE13</i> and <i>GmMATE75</i> as citrate transporter genes in TBS, which could improve citrate secretion and enhance Al tolerance. Our findings provide genetic resources for the development of plant varieties that are resistant to Al toxicity.